Transcendence

Transcendence is an experience central to both spirituality and therapeutic transformation. In fact, it may be considered the most important and distinguishing factor in any form of liberation as transcendence is an experience of moving from one mode of existence to another, for various reasons, and done in a myriad of ways. Understanding the nature of transcendence as a phenomenon is essential to any theory of change.

Transcendence originally meant “going beyond or outside” one’s situation. This sense of transcendence is clarified only in relation to what was meant by “immanence.” The differentiation of transcendence from immanence was a theological concern as it became central for theologians to distinguish between the nature, relationship, and place of God in contradistinction to humankind and the rest of the natural world. While these apologists sought to defend God’s existence as immutable and as the uncreated Creator of life, other thinkers took a contrary route than proposed God...